HELLENIC LEAGUE: Collier wants to build on Turner's Shrivvy legacy

SAM Collier is ready to build on the legacy left behind by Dave Turner at Shrivenham.

The striker has taken on the manager’s job on a permanent basis at Barrington Park following the sudden and tragic passing of Turner earlier this month.

Having already been in temporary charge at the Hellenic Premier Division club, Collier has now been handed the reins until at least the end of the season and he will be supported by assistant manager Mark Stevens and coach Luke Sharps.

He said: “It is a big job, but it has been made slightly easier because of the legacy of Dave.

“Before Dave passed away we had spoken about me coming on board next season as number two.

“The lads have been magnificent with me since I have been in charge and I spoke to a number of managers at Dave’s funeral and they have all offered me help and support.”

Interim chairman Robb Forty said: “After all the sadness, it is nice to be able to announce something positive.

“Sam is a bi-product of Dave’s ‘school of football’, the perfect and respectful replacement, which both the club and Sam firmly believe in and are completely committed to.

“This is not only what Dave would have wanted, but what he did want, as we had already spoken about plans for Sam to come on board in a managerial capacity in the near future.

“One thing is for sure, the club and Sam, along with his backroom staff and players, will try their best to continue Dave’s good work. A big ask, but one we’ll do our best to fulfil.”

Although Collier is initially in charge until the end of the current campaign, Forty is hopeful of that he can build for the long term with the striker at the helm.

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The chairman added: “Hopefully over the next couple of months we can start to formulate a three-year plan.”

Collier’s first official game in charge at Shrivenham is a home league clash with Binfield and they will be looking to bounce back following their narrow Bluefin Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Wantage Town.

The player-manager was without six first-team regulars, including himself, for that match.

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However, Collier, Dan Drewett, Steve Robertson, Craig Bowden, Ryan Wilkinson and keeper Stuart Thompson are all available for Binfield.

“I learnt a few things about some of fringe players against Wantage,” Collier said. “But all the players coming back will come into contention tomorrow in one or another.”

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